| With the Northwest experiencing the best | | | | have crimped down all of your barbs, as most |
| Steelhead runs in years, the staff here at | | | | waters will not allow you to fish for Steelhead |
| Hungryhook decided it would be a great idea to | | | | with a barbed hook. Due to the loss of the barb, |
| give you tips on how to catch these giant | | | | it is crucial that you have your drag set loose |
| Rainbows. Whether you are brand new to | | | | enough to let the fish run in the current without |
| Steelhead fishing, or a seasoned vet, we're sure | | | | snapping your line, but tight enough to allow no |
| you will be happy to use these tips. | | | | slack in your line. I like to tighten down drag as |
| 1) The Rig: We like to use 12 lb test Stren | | | | far as possible, and then loosed it about 3 turns. |
| Extra-Stength Mono on a 7 1/2 ft fishing rod. | | | | Also, do not allow your fish to run with the bait |
| You need to ensure you have a longer fishing rod | | | | without landing the hook. The moment you feel |
| in order to have enough action and play to fight | | | | a hit, reel down the slack, and HAMMER it! Then |
| through the current. We then use an 1/8 out | | | | hold on, fight the fish out of the current, and bag |
| pink or black jig hooked with frozen shrimp. | | | | a lunker. |
| Make sure you hook the shrimp on like you would | | | | 4) Fishing Area: Here in Idaho, we love to |
| a grub on a jig. Then attach a bobber-stop and | | | | fish the Snake River, and the Dam in Orofino. |
| bead on to your line, and use a weighted bobber | | | | These are both hot spots, and capable of |
| to keep it straight in the water. | | | | producing a great day of fishing. Watch for the |
| 2) Depth: We like to test the bobber-stop. | | | | currents that drop into deep pools. These pools |
| On your first cast, you want to be able to hit the | | | | will hold the most fish. Finally, ensure that your |
| bottom of the river so that you can then raise | | | | Steelhead has a clipped fin. This is a sign that |
| the bobber-stop incrementally until you are 1-2 | | | | they are a planter fish, and ok to take. |
| feet off the bottom. If the fish are rising, you | | | | Now get out on the river, get your rig set up, |
| can obviously lower the bobber-stop to allow less | | | | and land a lunker. When you are done, submit a |
| leader. If it is your first time out, find the | | | | pic here at we will get you up on the wall of |
| bottom, and then lift the bobber-stop up your line | | | | fame. While you are there, learn about the |
| about a foot. You do NOT want your lure | | | | plethera of other tips and techniques you can use |
| dragging on the river floor, or you will be cutting | | | | while on the water. |
| your line all day. | | | | Happy fishing, and as always, respect the lake.... |
| 3) Landing the Steelhead: Make sure that you | | | | |